The holiday season is not just about serving delicious meals; it’s about crafting memorable experiences that keep guests coming back—and maybe even landing a desired award. If your restaurant wants to stand out in the festive chaos and catch the attention of diners, it’s time to step up your game.
Whether you’re striving for local recognition or eyeing top honours like the ARTA (Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards), these tips will ensure you shine and leave an unforgettable mark.
1. Create a Festive Atmosphere with Decor and Music
Decorating your space can make a world of difference. Think about it—guests want to feel the magic of the season the moment they walk in. Deck out your restaurant with warm lights, wreaths, and touches of festive flair. Choose seasonal music that matches your restaurant’s vibe without becoming overbearing. The right ambience can elevate a good dining experience into an unforgettable one—and that’s exactly what award judges look for. You can go the extra mile with subtle festive scents like cinnamon or spiced vanilla. It’s all about engaging the senses.
2. Craft a Limited-Time Holiday Menu
Awards often reward creativity, so why not showcase your flair with exclusive dishes? Add seasonal specials—think mulled wine cocktails, pumpkin-infused desserts, or a festive take on your house signature. And if you own an Indian restaurant, dishes like Tandoori Chicken or Pumpkin Masala can be a great addition to your holiday menu.
Make sure your holiday menu reflects your brand’s identity while incorporating seasonal ingredients to keep things fresh and exciting. Hire a reliable print media service to get the perfect menu design on time.
Marketing Tip: Give your seasonal menu a catchy name or theme, and promote it heavily on social media. A ’12 Days of Christmas Specials’ campaign can attract diners.
3. Host Themed Events and Pop-Ups
Hosting a themed event can generate buzz both online and offline. Events like festive brunch, Christmas Eve dinner, or New Year’s party offer great opportunities to engage with your audience. Why not partner with a local charity and organise a charity dinner? Guests love supporting a good cause, and community engagement never goes unnoticed by award judges. You can also consider hosting a cook-off with a guest chef or a tasting menu night, showcasing your restaurant’s versatility and culinary skills.
4. Leverage Social Media for Engagement and Awards Nominations
If you’re looking to catch the eye of awards panels, it’s essential to be active and visible. Document your festive journey with photos and videos—highlight the decor process, showcase the new menu, or post behind-the-scenes clips of your staff prepping for the holidays. Social media platforms, especially Instagram and TikTok, are perfect for building hype.
Offer incentives like a photo competition or a hashtag campaign to encourage customers to post about their experience at your restaurant. The more people talk about your restaurant, the more likely it is to stay on award organisers’ radars.
5. Offer Seasonal Discounts and Gift Vouchers
Holiday shoppers always look for thoughtful gifts, so why not offer restaurant gift vouchers or meal experiences as presents? Vouchers boost holiday sales and ensure footfall in the quieter months that follow. Consider running holiday promotions, like a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ deal for gift cards or a festive set menu at a discounted rate.
Tip for Awards: If you’re participating in a giveaway or awards-related event, bundle a gift voucher with your promotion to leave a lasting impression on both customers and judges.
6. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service and Personalised Touches
Awards aren’t just about great food—they also value excellent service. Train your staff to go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels special. Little touches like complimentary drinks upon arrival or personalised thank-you notes can make a lasting impact.
Encourage staff to engage with customers, recommending holiday specials or offering wine pairings. Happy customers become your biggest cheerleaders when it comes to online reviews and award nominations.
7. Make Use of Customer Feedback to Improve and Promote
Collecting and acting on feedback during the busy holiday season shows that you care about your customers’ opinions. Monitor reviews on platforms like Google, TrustPilot, and social media, responding promptly to both positive and negative feedback. Positive reviews boost your reputation and can strengthen your award submissions by showcasing real customer appreciation.
8. Promote Takeaway and Delivery Options
The holiday season can be hectic for everyone, and not all guests will have time to dine in. Offering takeaway and delivery services ensures that customers can still enjoy your festive menu from the comfort of their homes. That’s why you must opt for a reliable online food ordering system to ensure people can enjoy your food from the comfort of their homes.
Make sure your packaging aligns with your brand. Festive touches like holiday stickers or a personalised thank-you note go a long way toward leaving a positive impression.
Consider offering limited-time discounts or free delivery to entice customers to try your festive menu at home. Consider partnerships with online food ordering platforms for better reach, but don’t forget to highlight your direct ordering system to maximise profits.
9. Support Local Businesses and Engage with the Community
Supporting local businesses and engaging with your community can elevate your restaurant’s brand image. Partner with local artisans to source ingredients or collaborate with neighbourhood businesses for holiday events. Community involvement reflects positively during award evaluations, highlighting your restaurant’s commitment to giving back.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season offers a golden opportunity to elevate your restaurant’s brand and secure recognition. With thoughtful decor, seamless service, and strategic marketing, your restaurant can stand out from the crowd and win customer hearts.
The key to success lies in creating an unforgettable experience—one that makes guests feel welcome and appreciated. As the festivities unfold, keep your eyes on the prize. Because with the right preparation, your restaurant could be the next big winner at the ARTA Awards.
